Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but if you're dreaming of a more meaningful, less stressful, and cost-effective way to say “I do,” a micro wedding might be the perfect fit.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to start planning a micro wedding, from narrowing your guest list to finding the right vendors and choosing a dreamy micro wedding venue.
A micro wedding, also called an intimate wedding, typically includes 15 to 50 guests, usually made up of immediate family and close friends. It combines the structure of a traditional wedding (ceremony, reception, food, dancing) with the warmth and intimacy of a smaller guest count.
Unlike an elopement (which often has fewer than 10 guests), a micro wedding allows you to include more people, more decor, and more personalization, without the stress of managing a larger reception.
Micro weddings are perfect for couples who:
Want to spend time with each guest
Prefer a smaller scale celebration
Want to save money without sacrificing elegance
Want to focus on sentimental details and meaningful moments
Are overwhelmed by the idea of a larger reception or planning process
If you’re nodding along, a micro wedding might be your best idea yet.
Planning a micro wedding still takes thought and coordination, but it's often far less stressful than planning a larger wedding. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you start.
Before diving into vendors or venues, think about how you want your wedding day to feel. Romantic and rustic? Modern and minimal? Lush and luxurious?
Ask yourselves:
Do we want to get married outdoors or indoors?
Are we drawn to a secluded destination, or a cozy spot close to home?
Is our focus on a gourmet meal, a killer playlist, or heartfelt vows?
Knowing your vision helps guide every other decision you make, especially with a lower guest count.
While micro wedding costs are typically much lower than traditional weddings, it’s still important to set a realistic budget. On average, micro weddings cost between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on your location, venue, vendors, and guest list.
Want to splurge on a private chef? Save on decor? Allocate more to your wedding photographer? You get to choose what matters most.
Your venue sets the tone for your big day. And when you’re planning a small wedding, your options expand dramatically. You’re no longer limited to massive ballrooms or banquet halls.
At Wander, we offer breathtaking luxury micro wedding venues across the U.S. and Mexico, each one a perfect blend of celebration and relaxation. Picture saying "I do" on a private beach, overlooking a tranquil lake, or surrounded by vineyards in wine country.
With high-end amenities, 24/7 concierge service, and options from New York to Montana, Arizona to Wisconsin, and beyond, Wander properties are the ideal setting for your intimate celebration.
Whether you want one or two tables under the stars or a cozy gathering by a fireplace, our venues are designed for modern couples who want to host a beautiful, stress-free day for their closest friends and family.
Now it’s time to create your micro wedding guest list. Keep in mind: the fewer guests, the more you can splurge on each experience.
Ask yourself:
How many guests can we realistically host with our budget?
Who are the family members and best friends we can’t imagine our day without?
Do we want to include immediate family only, or a mix of close friends too?
Your guest list will likely fall between 15–50 people. Keeping the group small helps create meaningful moments and more time with each guest.
Your wedding photographer captures the heart of your day. Since micro weddings focus more on candid moments and emotion, it’s worth finding a photographer who specializes in intimate celebrations.
Ask potential photographers:
Have you shot micro weddings before?
Can you offer photo and video packages?
Will you help guide the timeline?
With fewer people and more flexibility, you can be intentional with your vendors. Here’s a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your micro wedding.
Essential vendors:
Photographer/videographer
Venue
Catering/chef/food
Officiant
Optional (but recommended):
Wedding planner (especially helpful if you're planning remotely)
Hair and makeup artist
Florist (even one stunning bouquet can elevate the day)
DJ or live band
Wedding cake baker
Choosing preferred vendors who understand smaller weddings ensures your day runs smoothly.
There’s no one way to plan a wedding, but planning a micro wedding gives you the freedom to create a day that feels just right for you.
At Wander, we believe a micro wedding should feel just as grand as a big one, only with fewer moving parts and more time to focus on what truly matters: your love story.
Whether you're celebrating with 20 guests on a cliffside in Arizona or hosting a sunset dinner in a beachside villa in Florida, your small group will enjoy every second of this intimate celebration.
Need somewhere to host your pre-wedding celebrations? Look no further than our collection of bachelor party vacation rentals and bachelorette party vacation rentals for an unforgettable last hurrah.
A micro wedding typically ranges from $5,000–$20,000, though luxury micro weddings can go higher. Micro wedding costs depend on your guest count, venue, vendors, and experience level. Many couples choose to save money on food or decor while investing more in location or photography.
Not necessarily, but it can help. A wedding planner experienced in micro weddings can simplify your planning process, especially if you’re organizing from afar or want to stay stress-free.
The main difference is guest count. A traditional wedding may include 100–250+ guests, while a micro wedding is intentionally small. This allows for more personalized details, better food, and quality time with each guest.
Just because it’s a small wedding doesn’t mean your wedding outfits can’t be stunning. Wear what makes you feel amazing, whether that’s a classic gown, tailored suit, or something more casual for a backyard ceremony.
You can make your micro wedding feel magical by:
Writing handwritten notes to guests
Sharing a family-style meal
Planning unique experiences like a private chef, bonfire, or wine tasting
Including sentimental details like family heirlooms or custom playlists
Hosting family photos in a beautiful outdoor setting
When you’re only hosting your closest friends and family, the day becomes more about connection than production.
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